Headline: Banco Santander to Acquire Webster Financial in $12.3B Cash-And-Stock Deal

[Para 1: The Lead] Banco Santander, a leading Spanish bank, announced today it will acquire Webster Financial Corporation for $12.3 billion, a cash-and-stock transaction. The deal, effective March 15, 2026, aims to expand Santander's North American presence, enhancing its retail banking and wealth management capabilities in the U.S. market. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Financial figures reveal Santander will pay $25 per Webster share, a 20% premium over the closing price on February 3, 2026. Santander's stock closed at $50.40 on the same day, indicating a strong market reaction. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. With Webster's assets totaling $42 billion, the deal significantly boosts Santander's total assets to over $1 trillion, solidifying its position as a global banking powerhouse.